Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders

A Minnesota Mystery, Book 2

By: Larry Millett

Narrated by: Steve Hendrickson

When one of Minnesota's wealthiest scions goes missing, it's up to Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson to track a cold-blooded killer.

The year is 1896, and the magnificent winter carnival is under way in St. Paul, Minnesota, when Holmes and Watson are summoned by the city's most powerful man, railroad magnate James J. Hill. A wealthy young man has disappeared on the eve of his wedding - and his fiancée suspiciously discards her wedding dress. After a grisly discovery in the carnival's ice palace leads to a flurry of clues, Holmes is on the case.

His pursuit of the murderer takes him through the highest echelons of St. Paul society and into cahoots with Shadwell Rafferty, a gregarious saloon owner and part-time private investigator. Soon Holmes, Watson, and Rafferty are embroiled in a perilous adventure that takes them from one frozen corner of the city to another and out onto the treacherous ice of the Mississippi River as they trail a cruel and ruthless killer.

©2016 Audio-Visceral Productions (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Excellent series!

I am not a scholar but I have read all the original Sherlock Homes stories. I you liked that, these will not disappoint! Narrator also does a great job!

amusing

An amusing "Holmesian" style novel, with classic last minute reveals. Not deep literature but entertaining.

I actually enjoyed this book!

I enjoyed this book very much but did hate the harming of animal be it fictional or otherwise. However I dont feel like it made Watson out to be a boob and actually feel like he was treated with more respect by Sherlock. Course I think the book could have honestly been just about the detective in Minnesota as well.

Before Mall of America There was Winter Festival

Would you listen to Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders again? Why?

Yes. Its a well written Holmes/Watson story. It has a lot of historical background regards St. Paul. Hamm's Brewing, for example, briefly interwoven into the story, famous people of the time and place and the Winter Festival which has taken place since 1886 and still going strong!

What other book might you compare Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders to and why?

Other books or audio books in the Minnesota Mysteries Series by Larry Millett.

What about Steve Hendrickson’s performance did you like?

Diverse voices for characters. Enthusiastic performances, the pace of the story as he developed the story. Very pleasant, easily understood voice. And he doesn't snort! lol Some of the big name narrators snort!!! I hate that!!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There is a sense of suspense as the crime is resolved.

Any additional comments?

I love stories that build on historically accurate background. This story does that.
I love Holmes and Watson. This story has that.
I enjoy audio books that are performed well. Steve Hendrickson provides that.

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost. I am happy to give my honest review of it. Thanks for the opportunity and the enjoyable hours!

Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders

I enjoyed this book and will listen to the next 2 in the series!!

Great audiobook series

The author does a great job of bringing Sherlock to the US and creating stories that are not predictable nor cliche. I am not sure why the author feels the need to justify Sherlock's presence in the US by weaving an elaborate prologue. It is unnecessary, boring, and adds nothing to the book. Next book I'll skip it all together. I say this because I almost gave up on book 1 but I'm happy I didn't. There is no need to justify fiction in this way. Authors inspired by others works have the right to be creative as long as they respect the original character Doyle created. Lastly, the narrator is an excellent voice actor and a great choice and I hope he narrates the full series.

Great stories and characters!

The writing style is so close to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle it’s easy to forget you’re listening to a modern day writer. Larry Millett had done a wonderful job creating new adventures with new characters, whilst keeping on line with an authentic Sherlock mystery.

The voice of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

After a second novel by Larry Millet I am most impressed by his ability to so successfully mimic the voice of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and through it those of Holmes and Watson. Add good suspenseful tales and I really do feel like I've discovered lost treasure

Good, Gritty

This was a good story. Thorough and crime/detection-focused, which I appreciate. I found the book a bit long (some of the foreshadowing and drawing out of the mystery could be removed) and I also found the subject matter to be quite gritty. The original Sherlock Holmes books also deal with serious matters but in a higher level fashion somehow. The reader does a good job, however I find his Sherlock Holmes more smug and patronizing than the Conan Doyle version.

4 stars

Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders by Larry Millet
Narrated by Steve Hendrickson
Run Time: 11 hrs and 21 mins
Summary:
Holmes and Watson get called to Minnesota once again. This time, they’re there to investigate the baffling disappearance a city scion.

Additional Comments:
• The book didn’t seem that long because I play books at a faster speed.
• I like Shadwell. You get to know him a lot better this book. I think he may have had a small role in the previous book.
• The conclusion’s intriguing.
• Women in these books seem to come in only 1-2 flavors. Absolutely beautiful and stunning or nonexistent.
• The series is decent fun for Sherlock Holmes fans. It’s written in the same rambling, sometimes charming style. It annoys me occasionally when it takes the narrator (Watson) forever to make a point, but they’re still good, clean fun.
• End is satisfactory.

Conclusion:
Classic historical mysteries.
*I got the book on a free code site. I understand I do not have a set-in-stone obligation to share my thoughts, but have freely chosen to do so anyway.